Somethings amiss

[Dusty]

Well after 10,000 miles I may have a problem On the way home from a drive today(really the last couple of times out I thought something might be wrong)) I kept getting the feeling something was not right, you know the feeling that something does not sound or feel right and when that happens you know in your heart your probably right.

This is what I'm hoping for and keep in mind this is from a very non expert's opinion...me I notice that the engine just is not as smooth as it once was, power was ok but I keep from time to time hearing a very light metal type tapping. It only occurs at a certain point of throttle. Very heavy load or very light load it was not there or at least I could not hear it.

After it had cooled I started it up tonight to put it in the garage and the metal tapping which kind of sounds like a marble size metal bearing shaking in a very thick metal box was very apparent. As it warmed up it went away unless you jack on the throttle. As best I can tell it sounds like it is coming from the far left side of the valve cover. So I hope(God I hope) it is the lifters????

I know it is hard to asess a problem with just a best guess narrative but what do you all think? I have Les's book and understand the adjusting principle
but could not find if they are adjusted cold or hot. All so can the valve cover be remove without the intake and exhaust manifolds being remove? or would it easier just to do so. Thanks people in advance and I hope I can dodge a bullet Retirement has its great advantages but having lots of money is not one of them.

dusty